IN BRIEF

EU LEADERS expressed their “very grave concern” at the lack of progress in the Middle East peace process, and “the threat that this poses to the stability and security of the region” at this week’s Cardiff summit. They urged all sides to implement the Israeli/Palestinian interim agreements and the Hebron Protocol fully. “The European Council calls on Israel to recognise the right of the Palestinians to exercise self-determination, without excluding the option of a state,” they said in a statement. They also called for a “full and unconditional withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Southern Lebanon.

European Voice

6/17/98, 5:00 PM CET

Updated 4/12/14, 3:29 AM CET

PROPOSALS for an EU troika trip to East Timor remain on ice as Indonesia's government continues to vacillate. While accepting the idea of a visit in principle, Jakarta officials would not give any firm date. Union leaders called for a "just, global and internationally acceptable solution" to the East Timor question, and called on Indonesia to respect human rights and release all political prisoners.

THE European Council condemned the undeclared border war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, calling for an end to hostilities and a formal cease-fire. EU leaders said they would provide "any material assistance that could help achieve a negotiated settlement".

UNION leaders said they were "strongly in favour of the establishment of a universal and effective [International] Criminal Court", and added they were "determined" that the diplomatic conference in Rome would be a success.

THE EU said it was "gravely concerned" at the further deterioration of the situation in Guinea-Bissau, in particular at reports of civilian casualties. In a statement, the Union called "on the mutineers to lay down their arms, thus enabling the immediate re-establishment of constitutional order and an end to further bloodshed".

THE EU's associated countries in central and eastern Europe, Cyprus and the EFTA members of the European Economic Area declared that they "share and support" the Union ban on future investments in Serbia and would "ensure that their national policies conform to that common position".